Barcelona’s Pre-Season Tour in Japan Saved by Rakuten After Financial Dispute
Barcelona’s Japanese Tour Back on Track After Financial Turmoil
The football world was abuzz today as FC Barcelona confirmed their pre-season tour in Japan will proceed as planned, following a dramatic financial rescue by their former sponsor, Rakuten. The tour, which had been thrown into doubt due to a serious contractual dispute, is now set to bring excitement to fans across Asia and much-needed revenue to the Catalan club.
How the Dispute Unfolded
The trouble began when Barcelona’s highly anticipated friendly against Vissel Kobe, scheduled for July 27, was abruptly suspended. The local promoter responsible for organizing the event failed to meet key contractual obligations, leaving a €5 million (approximately US$5.87 million) shortfall in payments to Barcelona. This breach not only threatened the match in Japan but also cast uncertainty over the rest of the club’s pre-season plans in Asia.
Rakuten Steps In to Save the Day
In a surprising turn of events, Rakuten, Barcelona’s former main sponsor, intervened to resolve the crisis. The Japanese e-commerce giant covered the unpaid fees, ensuring the match against Vissel Kobe could go ahead. This intervention not only salvaged the tour but also maintained Barcelona’s relationship with their vast Japanese fanbase. According to Reuters, Rakuten’s timely financial support was crucial in preventing the cancellation of the tour.
Financial Stakes and Rewards
The Asian pre-season tour represents a significant financial opportunity for Barcelona, who are navigating through a period of fiscal recovery. The club was expected to earn between €20 million and €25 million from the tour, with €15 million already secured through match and promotional fees. The threat of losing out on such a substantial sum underscored the urgency of resolving the dispute.
Beyond the immediate financial windfall, the tour offers Barcelona a platform to strengthen their brand presence in Asia, engage with international fans, and attract new commercial partnerships. These factors are especially important as the club continues to rebuild its finances following recent challenges.
Tour Schedule and Key Fixtures
With the dispute resolved, Barcelona’s pre-season schedule in Asia is back on track. The tour kicks off with the match against Vissel Kobe on July 27 in Tokyo. Following this, the team will travel to South Korea for two more high-profile friendlies: FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4. These fixtures are expected to draw large crowds and generate significant media attention, further boosting Barcelona’s global profile.
Squad News: Notable Absences and Replacements
While the tour promises exciting football, Barcelona will be without several key players. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is sidelined due to a back injury and will undergo surgery during the tour period. In his absence, Iñaki Peña is expected to step up as the starting goalkeeper.
Additionally, Pau Víctor and Oriol Romeu, both of whom are rumored to be on the verge of leaving the club, will remain in Barcelona and not participate in the Asian tour. These absences present an opportunity for younger and fringe players to make their mark during the pre-season campaign.
Transfer Market Update: Barcelona’s Summer Business Nears Completion
While the focus is on the tour, Barcelona’s transfer activity has also been making headlines. Club president Joan Laporta recently indicated that the bulk of the club’s summer signings have been finalized. The arrivals of Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji have strengthened the squad in key areas.
However, not all transfer pursuits have been successful. A much-anticipated move for Nico Williams fell through due to unresolved contract details, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful for future opportunities. Laporta’s comments suggest that unless a major opportunity arises, Barcelona’s transfer window is likely closed for the summer.
What This Means for Barcelona’s Season
The successful resolution of the financial dispute and the continuation of the Asian tour are positive signs for Barcelona as they prepare for the upcoming season. The tour will provide valuable match practice, allow new signings to integrate into the squad, and offer younger players a chance to impress the coaching staff.
Financially, the tour’s revenue will help stabilize the club’s accounts and provide resources for future investments. The exposure in Japan and South Korea will also reinforce Barcelona’s status as one of the world’s most popular football clubs.
Looking Ahead
As Barcelona embarks on their Asian adventure, fans can look forward to exciting matches, new faces on the pitch, and the promise of a reinvigorated squad for the new season. The club’s ability to navigate off-field challenges and deliver on-field entertainment remains as strong as ever.